Translation guide
The English word 'calculation' can refer to mathematical computation, careful planning, or estimation. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
The act or process of using numbers to find an answer, such as adding, subtracting, etc.
The most common and general word for calculation or computation. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (計算する).
Refers to computing or working out a numerical result, often used in formal or technical contexts.
経費を算出する。
Calculate the expenses.
Refers to mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, etc.), used in technical or computing contexts.
コンピューターが高速で演算を行う。
The computer performs calculations at high speed.
The process of thinking carefully about how to get an advantage, often with a negative connotation.
Also used figuratively for calculating one's interests or planning ahead, often with a nuance of self-interest.
彼の行動はすべて計算だ。
Everything he does is a calculation.
彼女は計算高い人だ。
She is a calculating person.
Refers to calculating one's own profit or advantage, often with a negative nuance of selfishness.
Refers to expectations or speculations, often about how things will turn out, implying a calculated guess.
An approximate judgment or rough numerical estimate.
Commonly used for estimates, especially in business contexts like cost estimates.
費用の見積もりを出してください。
Please give me a calculation of the costs.
Rough calculation or approximation, often used in formal or technical settings.
A rough estimate made by eye or intuition, less formal.
計算 is the general term for calculation in daily life and math. 算出 is more formal and often used for deriving a specific numerical result from data. 演算 is technical, referring to arithmetic or logical operations in computing.
計算が得意だ。
I'm good at calculations.
利益を算出する。
Calculate the profit.
CPUが演算を行う。
The CPU performs calculations.
While 計算 is versatile, for estimates use 見積もり, and for selfish scheming 打算 may be more precise. Using 計算 in every context can sound unnatural.
見積もりを取る。
Get an estimate (calculation).
A calculating way of thinking.
彼の思惑が外れた。
His calculations went wrong.
概算でいくらですか。
How much is it by rough calculation?
目算では100人くらいいた。
By my calculation, there were about 100 people.